Following the latest twist in Google’s legal battles with Epic, US Android users are now able to open Google’s Play Store and download a third-party digital store with its own selection of apps. Aptoide, a store specializing in mobile games, is the first to become available.
Third-party app stores have always been available on Android, which is a more open platform than iOS in that respect. However, until now they’ve only been available if pre-installed on a device — as with the Amazon Appstore on Fire tablets or Samsung’s Galaxy Store — or installed via sideloading. Listing rival storefronts within the Play Store makes them much easier for users to find and access.
The change is a direct result of Google’s litigation with Epic, which saw a judge rule in 2024 that the Play Store would have to open up to third-party stores. Google appealed the ruling, delaying its implementation, and after losing its appeal made a deal with Epic for a new global solution to the problem. Judge James Donato expressed repeated skepticism about the two companies’ joint proposal though, and last month they dropped it, finally paving the way for app stores to open.
Aptoide itself is relatively little known, but it’s likely to be the first of many alternative app stores. It’s presumably only a matter of time before the Epic Store makes its own appearance, and the likes of Amazon, Samsung, and other phone manufacturers may also want to put their stores in front of potential customers. It also opens the door to Microsoft’s long-gestating Xbox mobile store.
Aptoide is only available through the Play Store in the US, though it can be sideloaded on Android worldwide. The company also operates an iOS app store in the European Union, Japan, and Brazil, following Apple policy changes forced by legislation in those markets.
As part of its deal with Epic, Google had announced plans to launch a Registered App Store program worldwide. Those plans appear to still be in the works outside the US, raising the possibility that in the near future there will be two different methods to access third-party Android app stores depending on where you live.